International 14's Final

Travemünder Woche 2005

Bay of Luebeck, Germany

On the first view the overall results look like the open British Championships. But 46 international teams challenged for the European Champion title in the INT.14 class at Travemuende Week which finished yesteday on the Bay of Luebeck.

After nine races Alister RICHARDSON and Dan JOHNSON stand on top of the podium followed by their fellows Archie MASSSEY and George NURTON with Katie NURTON and Nigel ASH in bronze position. The best mixed crew earned 'bronze' whilst Oliver VOSS and Jens HOLSCHER from Germany came sixth as the best non-British crew.

'We had a great time here in Travemuende, nice venue, fine racing - we will come back for sure', said first time European Champion RICHARDSON at the prize-giving. The 26 year old from Bournemouth crewed already for Olympian Hugh STYLE in the Tornado finishing second in the first half of the 116th

Travemuende week. He sailed an impressive series with title defender and temporary crew JOHNSON at the foresail sheets. 'We had a pretty good rig trim and were really fast on the course', explained the 33 year old from London why they dominated the fleet so much. After a second in the opening race and five bullets RICHARDSON/JOHNSON had the luxury to return on shore with two DNC to discard at the end. 'We have a very strong skiff fleet in the U.K. with regattas every single weekend in the summer season', continued Johnson, 'we are pushing each other to the edge.' But the winners also mentioned, that VOSS/HOLSCHER sailed a smart regatta: 'They are pretty fast too and not that easy to beat.'

More victories at Travemuende week went to Great Britain, Poland and Germany twice. Christopher LORENZ and Friedrich GEBERT from Berlin are the new international German junior champions in the 470.